Stars Fight To Keep Ledger Drug Video Off Tv

[Emma]

SARAH JESSICA PARKER, JOSH BROLIN and NATALIE PORTMAN were among the stars who bombarded the producers of U.S. news show ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT and urged them to drop a damning HEATH LEDGER video.

The footage, taken at a Hollywood party in 2006, reportedly features the late actor drinking and taking drugs.

The news show aired teaser footage during it's Wednesday night (30Jan08) broadcast and producers planned to show the full tape on Thursday (31Jan08).

But angry phone calls from the stars and harsh criticism from Ledger's publicists made them think again - and eventually axe the news item.

In one angry open letter, Ledger's representative Mara Buxbaum wrote, "This is not journalism, it is sensationalism. It is a shameful exploitation of the lowest kind."

(KL/WNV/GES)

[BellaBlack]

I am taking a journalism class and the term sensaltionalism and tabloid material also crossed my mind when I read this. This is an ultimate low for journalism and it makes me ashamed that some people would want to exploit Heath Ledger like that after everything that has happened. Good job to the celebrities and everyone who stopped it.

[alex.stef]

as I read somewhere, it's a perfect example of the Hollywood solidarity between fellow actors, artists in general, in tragic times like this

[OCallyFaN80]

I'm glad people are supporting, but tabloids being extremely rude and stupid isn't helping at all. Why can't the tabloids think of the people first instead of themselves? Why can't they step into their shoes for the day? And also, if a similar accident like this happen, would they like news to spread around a video of their past that would just make things worst? No, it's just incredibly rude and disrespectful. Karma is going to bite their ass one day!

[nLOVEw/Adam]

:applause: Amen Joy. I agree w/ you totally... stuff like this Sickens me and also :pissed: 's me off. I am very tankful for those celebs sticking up for him. :up:

[Krysie]

They seriously need to let the man rest in peace. I'm glad those celebs are taking up for him. You know what is sad though.. he didn't get this much publicity when he was alive, did he?:( Man.

[locustdd]

I am taking a journalism class and the term sensaltionalism and tabloid material also crossed my mind when I read this. This is an ultimate low for journalism and it makes me ashamed that some people would want to exploit Heath Ledger like that after everything that has happened. Good job to the celebrities and everyone who stopped it.

What the reporters should be doing is to report and discourage drugs. Celebrities are taking drugs like they are only for the rich.

[teechbiz]

I guess even in death people try to make money off him

[locustdd]

I guess even in death people try to make money off him

That is the life of the entertainment industry ... anything that makes money even if it is foolish or meaningless entertainment.

[kbruson]

We all understand how he died. Now the newspapers need to just let him Rest In PEACE!